NEW YORK 
Former champion Juan Martin del Potro is through to the third round in his return to the U.S. Open.

The 18th-seeded Argentine beat countryman Diego Junqueira 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 on Friday. The 2009 Open winner was unable to defend his title last year because of wrist surgery.

Del Potro and Junqueira are from Tandil, but had never played before on tour. The 30-year-old Junqueira is ranked 104th and was playing in his first U.S. Open. He's never been past the second round at a Grand Slam event.

Del Potro had 36 winners and 35 unforced errors.

Junqueira showed off his soccer skills, a valued talent in Argentina, heading the tennis ball after a point ended in the third set.